Your Under $100 Gift Guide

A car wrapped by Carolina Herrera? Yes, please! Photo: Carolina Herrera

Ever feel like your list keeps growing by the holiday minute? One moment, you feel like you're nearly done and the next, you realize you're miles from the finish line. With time, budget and creative thinking stretched to the absolute max, we've rounded up a helpful last-minute guide for you for all those little things that can add up to quite a lot - with stylish ideas for your Secret Santa, your gift-exchangee, the kid in your life, said kid's teacher, oh, and don't forget your holiday hostess. Phew. The best part about this list? Everything checks out at under $100. Yay! For the full gift guide, click here

1. Bouchon Bakery by Thomas Keller, $40, Coles Bookstore; 2. Michael Bublé Christmas CD, $19.99, HMV; 3. Designer Bar Set, $34.99, HomeSense; 4. Designer Plaid Throw, $39.99, HomeSense; 5. Boxed Winter Currant Candle, $14.99, HomeSense

A Gift from Joe

A knock at the door.  A Fed-Ex guy. A big brown package.  'Qu'est-ce que c'est que ça?' I mused. Tearing open the package, I was thrilled to find a box in Joe Fresh orange filled with loads of holiday treats.  The best part? A note signed by Joe himself. Squee :)

Love everything! Thanks Joe Fresh. Such a sweet surprise xo 

Fête Set

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Lately, I've been acting a lot more mature, and I don't mean this in a good coming-of-age way.  I'm talking terrifyingly predictable - ie. work all day, make dinner, eat dinner, give kids a bath, stories, bedtime, then we put on a pot of water for tea (Twinings which, for the record, we did way before Fifty Shades of Grey), then work some more, then crash. Zzzzz.  It's not that I don't like being a mom, because I love it.  And I'm not saying I don't like to work, because I really do.  It's just that nothing good can possibly come of the constant routininess of it all, especially when endless piles of laundry are involved. 

What I mean, is that I'm beyond ready to bust it. I'm ready to eat, drink and be embarassingly merry.  I'm ready to sparkle my way into a snowbank somewhere and just chill out there for a minute, then get back up and shuffle my way to the next party. I'm actually even ready to feel tired the next day - in a good way. 

I've got a rocking holiday wardrobe all planned out (which I wholeheartedly encourage you to try on for size btw) should any tempting invites come my way. You hosting?

x

Michael Kors Fall 2012 - photo: style.com

1. Open Blazer, $30, Dynamite; 2. Draped Gown, $129.99, Laura; 3. Studded Loafer, $50, ALDO; 4. Faux-Fur Scarf, $70, Le Château; 5. Gemstone Clutch, $40, Le Château 

Photo: WhoWhatWear.com

1. Necklace, $18, American Eagle; 2. Leopard Bag, $25, American Eagle; 3. Flared Skirt, $40, American Eagle; 5. Patent-Toe Pumps, $42, ALDO; 6. Denim Shirt, $45, American Eagle

Emilio Pucci Fall 2012 - photo: style.com

1. Chiffon Blouse, $35, Smart Set; 2. Tuxedo Pant, $39.90, Dynamite; 3. Studded Clutch, $40, ALDO; 4. Pointy-Toed Pump, $90, ALDO; 5. Snake Bracelet, $12, ALDO

Derek Lam Fall 2012 - photo: style.com

1. Skull Necklace, $12, ALDO; 2. Bouclé Blazer, $120, Laura; 3. Lurex Scarf, $28, Laura; 4. Studded Hi-Top, $120, Le Château; 5. Wide Leg Pant, $60, Laura 

Moves like Mimran

Kim Newport-Mimran works it with the lovely ladies from ASC Public Relations at the Pink Tartan Holiday Preview at Bayview Village

When Toronto's reigning queen of cool, Kim Newport-Mimran, hosted a private event at the new Pink Tartan at Bayview Village, I RSVP'd somewhat reluctantly, knowing just how well Pink Tartan woos.  I committed to keep my Visa locked tightly in my clutch and focus on the job at hand - get pictures, meet and greet, get out. Simple, right?

After they sent Rosedale Livery to pick me up, then plied me with Veuve and macarons, it was already too late. Once Mrs. Mim took me on a private tour of the shop in her ever-so-cool way - I wanted everything. 

Though I resisted the Thierry Lasry shades and the Mark Cross bag (just barely), I couldn't help myself, walking away with a cute pair of bright yellow shades, a Parisian Chic daybook, Marvis toothpaste and Crown Mill notecards in 'Joe Fresh Orange'. Now here's the shocking part: I spent under $100. Didn't think it was possible at Pink Tartan but happily, it is.  KNP has curated a lovely assortment of little luxuries for you and your favourites, like Mariage Frères teas (her fave) and her go-to EX VOTO White Edition candles, direct from Paris, because that's how she rolls.  Check out some of her can't-resist picks from Pink Tartan, including the adorable new Karl Lagerfeld, Anna Wintour and Miuccia Prada MuaMua dolls ($35 each). Love them!

Happy weekend, lovelies.  My wine glasses are looking remarkably empty...Hmm..must do something about that ;)

Chaise. Lounge.

With deadlines done and gift shopping in the bag, we’ll soon be able to take a much-needed pause and just finally, oh-so-blissfully chill. Ahhhh.These lady of leisure essentials will help you kick back in style over the holidays, whether you’re baking cookies with your wee ones, indulging in a holiday movie marathon, or staying overnight as a houseguest. Doing nothing never looked so very chic.

For my full round-up of pajamas with serious panache, check out my article this week at iVillage.ca. Anyone else ready? Like, now?